The Tughans insurance and disputes team is singled out for its strength in litigious matters, covering catastrophic personal injury and occupational disease. Head of insurance, Kathy McGillie, is a go-to for the firm’s insurer clientele, and has extensive experience in health and safety regulatory investigations. Alistair Wilson was appointed to head of clinical negligence in 2024, and leads on the full gamut of healthcare mandates for both insured and uninsured doctors and dentists. Neil Smyth is noted for public liability claims, including those from accidents abroad, while litigator Kevin Hegarty is described as a ‘stand-out’ and regularly acts for healthcare providers and medical defence organisations. Other individuals of note include Francesca Glynn and Pauline Walker.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team is by some distance one of the leading lights in insurance defence work generally and particularly in clinical negligence. The team has a long history of doing this work and is highly regarded by colleagues, opponents and the Courts for the work they do. There is a strength in depth with very experienced partners supported by fee earners of varying levels of experience, all of whom provide an excellent service to their clients. ’

  • ‘Alistair is a highly regarded director of the practice who is consistently sought out in clinical negligence work; he has been involved in some of the most interesting work in this jurisdiction on the defence side of clinical negligence cases. I have a lot of experience of Francesca Glynn as I used to work with her and in my experience, she is easily one of the most capable, diligent and knowledgeable solicitors I have dealt with. She is a star in the making and I fully expect she will reach the very top of the profession; she is a dream to work with. ’

  • ‘Generally, I deal with two individuals: Neil Smyth and Pauline Walker. They are very professional and knowledgeable in subject matters and great communicators with all parties involved - very pleased with the quality of work they provide. ’

  • ‘Kevin Hegarty - a great solicitor who handles claims at a high level. Francesca Glynn - well thought of within the sector.’

  • ‘Kevin Hegarty is a standout lawyer. He has great attention to detail and a calm presence. He has great tactical ability.’

  • ‘Andrew Anthony and Alistair Wilson set the standard for their peers to follow. They are an established and respected team. Market leaders.’

Lawyers

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Next Generation Partners

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Kevin Hegarty

Leading associates

Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Practice head

Kathy McGillie; Alistair Wilson

Other key lawyers

Neil Smyth; Kevin Hegarty; Francesca Glynn; Pauline Walker